Thailand Warns of Heavy Rain, Flooding in 37 Provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its fifth warning of heavy to very heavy rain affecting 37 provinces from October 19 to 25, with strong winds, flash floods and landslide risks. The southern and eastern regions will see the heaviest rain initially, while central, northeastern and upper southern areas will experience increased rainfall and gusts later in the period. The public is advised to avoid flood‑prone routes and to stay updated via official channels.
On October 19, 2026, the Thai Meteorological Department released Bulletin No. 5 (264/2569) warning of heavy to very heavy rain across the country from October 19 to 25. For October 19–20, the southern and eastern regions will experience continuous rain with heavy to very heavy downpours in some areas. From October 21–25, lower northeastern, central, Bangkok and its vicinity, eastern, and upper southern regions will see increased rainfall, heavy to very heavy rain in places, and strong gusts in some localities. The public is urged to guard against dangers from strong winds, intense rain, and accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash floods, mountain runoff, and landslides, especially on sloped hills near waterways and low‑lying areas. Travelers should avoid routes prone to recurrent flooding, particularly low‑lying spots that may become inundated.
The department also announced that 37 provinces are expected to receive heavy rain today. The warning notes that a southern lower monsoon trough combined with a southwest monsoon over the lower Andaman Sea will shift northward to the central south, while a high‑pressure system or cold air mass from China spreads over the upper north, upper northeast, and the South China Sea. In the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, thunderstorm‑generated waves may exceed three metres; mariners are advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas.
For safety and to reduce possible impacts, the public should plan daily activities and travel carefully during this period. They are urged to follow updates from the Meteorological Department via its website http://www.tmd.go.th or the phone numbers 0‑2399‑4012‑13 and 1182, available 24 hours a day. The bulletin was issued on October 19, 2026 at 05:00 local time, with a follow‑up announcement scheduled for 17:00 on the same day.
